According to the ordinance, sex offenders convicted of Class A, B or C sex offenses against children younger than 14 years old at the time of the offense, regardless of whether the crime was committed in Maine or not, would be subject to the restrictions.

The ordinance would restrict sex offenders from living within 750 feet surrounding a public or private elementary, middle or secondary school, as well as within 750 feet of municipally owned property or state-owned property that is leased to a nonprofit organization for a park, athletic field or facility primarily used by children.

There would be restricted areas surrounding 11 schools and 17 areas including Bug Light Park and Willard Beach.

There is an exception: A sex offender maintaining a residence within the setback of a restricted property is not in violation of the ordinance if the residence was established and consistently maintained prior to May 19, 2014.

Violators would be subject to legal action and local laws.

The city could also seek a fine of $500 per day.

The ACLU of Maine said it does not support ordinances like these.

In a statement, the organization said, "The ACLU of Maine has opposed ordinances like this one in the past, saying that they push ex-offenders farther into the shadows and away from the rehabilitation services they need. They also create a false sense of security while doing little to address the real problem of sexual abuse, since the vast majority of offenses are committed by adults known to the children and not by strangers. The problem would be better addressed by focusing on educating parents and children about how to recognize inappropriate behavior in adults - both strangers and acquaintances."

South Portland Mayor Jerry Jalbert said there are currently 10 sex offenders who reside in the city and six who are in what would be a restricted area, if this ordinance passes.

He said those people would be grandfathered in and not forced to move, but believes over a period of time when people move, everyone would be complying with the new ordinance.

Jalbert said there is not currently a city ordinance that stops sex offenders from living where they choose.